# Simple History – Track, Log, and Audit WordPress Changes

Contributors: eskapism, wpsimplehistory
Donate link: https://simple-history.com/sponsor/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=sponsorship&utm_content=readme_donate_link
Tags: history, audit log, event log, user tracking, activity
Tested up to: 6.8
Stable tag: 5.17.0
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Track changes and user activities on your WordPress site. See who created a page, uploaded an attachment, and more, for a complete audit trail.

## Description

> _"So far the best and most comprehensive logging plugin"_ - [@herrschuessler](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/so-far-the-best-and-most-comprehensive-logging-plugin/)

Simple History shows recent changes made within WordPress, directly on your dashboard, on a separate page, or in the admin bar.

The plugin acts as an audit log of the most important events that occur in WordPress.

It's a plugin that is good to have on websites where several people are involved in editing the content.

No coding is required to use the plugin. Just install it and it will start logging events.

### 🔍 How Simple History Helps in Real Situations

**Track what's happening on your site**  
_"Has someone done anything today? Ah, Sarah uploaded the new press release and created an article for it. Great! Now I don't have to do that."_

**Identify issues and debug faster**  
_"The site feels slow since yesterday. Has anyone done anything special? ... Ah, Steven activated 'naughty-plugin-x', that must be it."_

**Keep Freelancers & Agencies Accountable**
_"I hired a developer to optimize my site. But did they actually do anything? A quick glance at Simple History shows me exactly what they worked on, so I know I'm getting my money's worth!"_

### ✨ Simple History Features

Out of the box Simple History has support for:

-   **Posts and pages** – see who added, updated or deleted a post or page

-   **Attachments** – see who added, updated or deleted an attachment

-   **Taxonomies (Custom taxonomies, categories, tags)** – see who added, updated or deleted an taxonomy

-   **Comments** – see who edited, approved or removed a comment

-   **Widgets** – get info when someone adds, updates or removes a widget in a sidebar

-   **Plugins** – activation and deactivation

-   **User profiles** – info about added, updated or removed users

-   **User logins** – see when a user login & logout. Also see when a user fails to login (good way to catch brute-force login attempts).

-   **User edits** – see when a user is added, updated or removed, and get detailed information about the changes made to the user.

-   **Failed user logins** – see when someone has tried to log in, but failed. The log will then include ip address of the possible hacker.

-   **Menu edits**

-   **Option screens** – view details about changes made in the different settings sections of WordPress. Things like changes to the site title and the permalink structure will be logged.

-   **Privacy page** – when a privacy page is created or set to a new page.

-   **Data Export** – see when a privacy data export request is added and when this request is approved by the user, downloaded by an admin, or emailed to the user.

-   **User Data Erasure Requests** – see when a user privacy data export request is added and when this request is approved by the user and when the user data is removed.

-   **admin page access denied** – see when a user tries to access an admin page they don't have permission to access.

#### Built-in logging for third-party plugins

Simple History comes with built in support for many plugins:

-   **Jetpack** – See which Jetpack modules are activated and deactivated.

-   **Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)** – See when field groups and fields are created and modified.

-   **User Switching** – See each user switch being made.

-   **WP Crontrol** – See when cron events are added, edited, deleted, paused, resumed, and manually ran, and when cron schedules are added and deleted.

-   **Enable Media Replace** – See details about the file being replaced and details about the new file.

-   **Limit Login Attempts** – See login attempts, lockouts, and configuration changes made in the plugin Limit Login Attempts.

-   **Redirection** – See redirects and groups that are created, changed, enabled or disabled and also when the global plugin settings have been modified.

-   **Duplicate Post** –See when a clone of a post or page is done.

-   **Beaver Builder** – See when a Beaver Builder layout or template is saved or when the settings for the plugins are saved.

Is your plugin missing? No problem – plugin authors can add support for Simple History in their plugins using the [logging API](https://simple-history.com/docs/logging-api/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_logging_api).

#### Plugins that have support for Simple History includes:

-   [Simple History Beaver Builder Add-On](https://wordpress.org/plugins/extended-simple-history-for-beaver-builder/)
-   [WP-Optimize – Cache, Clean, Compress.](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-optimize/)
-   [Add Customer for WooCommerce](https://wordpress.org/plugins/add-customer-for-woocommerce/)
-   [Better WishList API](https://wordpress.org/plugins/better-wlm-api/)
-   [AJAX Login and Registration modal popup + inline form](https://wordpress.org/plugins/ajax-login-and-registration-modal-popup/)
-   [Loginpetze](https://wordpress.org/plugins/loginpetze/)
-   [Authorizer](https://wordpress.org/plugins/authorizer/)
-   [Ad Inserter](https://wordpress.org/plugins/ad-inserter/)
-   [FV Player Pro](https://foliovision.com/player/features/sharing/video-downloading-with-simple-history#integration-with-simple-history)
-   [Login Me Now](https://wordpress.org/plugins/login-me-now/)

### 💬 What users say

🌟 [300+ five-star reviews](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/simple-history/reviews/?filter=5) speak to the reliability of this plugin. 🌟

-   _"The best history plugin I've found"_ – [Rich Mehta](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/the-best-history-plugin-ive-found/)

-   _"Custom Logs Are Crazy Awesome!"_ - [Ahmad Awais](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/awesome-4654/)

-   _"Amazing activity logging plugin"_ - [digidestination](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/amazing-activity-logging-plugin/)

-   _"Fantastic plugin I use on all sites"_ - [Duncan Michael-MacGregor](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/fantastic-plugin-i-use-on-all-sites/)

-   _"Useful Quick View of Activity"_ - [Dan O](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/useful-quick-view-of-activity/)

-   _"The best Activity Plugin"_ - [Rahim](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/the-best-activity-plugin/)

-   _"The best free history plugin ever"_ - [abazeed](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/the-best-free-history-plugin-ever/)

-   _"It is a standard plugin for all of our sites"_ - [Mr Tibbs](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/it-is-a-standard-plugin-for-all-of-our-sites/)

### 🚀 Zero-Config Activity Tracking

Simple History begins tracking your WordPress site's activities instantly after installation - no setup required. View your activity logs through the convenient dashboard widget or browse the full history on the dedicated 'Simple History' page in your WordPress admin.

### 📧 Weekly Email Reports – Stay Informed Without Logging In

Simple History's [weekly email reports](https://simple-history.com/features/email-reports-weekly/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_email_reports) give you a quick look at your site's activity straight in your inbox every Monday morning—know what happened on your site each week without logging in.

Each email report includes:

-   **Total activity summary** – See at a glance how active your site was
-   **Daily activity breakdown** – Identify the busiest days of the week
-   **Key metrics** – Login activity, content updates, plugin changes, and WordPress updates
-   **Direct links** – Jump straight to the full log for more details

Perfect for site owners who want to stay informed without logging in daily, agencies managing multiple client sites, and teams who need regular activity updates.

Enable email reports in the settings, add your email address, and start receiving weekly updates. You can [see what the email looks like](https://simple-history.com/features/email-reports-weekly/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_email_reports#example) before enabling it.

### 📡 RSS feed with changes

Using the optional password protected **RSS feed** you can keep track of the changes made on your website using your favorite RSS reader.

### 🤖 WP-CLI commands for automation

[Multiple WP-CLI commands exist](https://simple-history.com/features/wp-cli-commands/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_wp_cli_commands), to view and search the log, and to view more information about a specific event.

WP-CLI support is perfect for system administrators and agencies managing multiple WordPress sites. Using WP-CLI commands they can automate log monitoring, create reports, or integrate with existing DevOps tools.

Example commands:

-   `wp simple-history event list` – List the latest logged events.
-   `simple-history event get` – Get more information about a specific event.
-   `wp simple-history event add` – Add a custom event to the log.
-   `wp simple-history event search` – Search for events.
-   `wp simple-history stealth-mode` – See Stealth Mode status.

### 🥷 Stealth Mode – Hide Simple History from the WordPress Admin

[Stealth Mode](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_stealth_mode) allows Simple History to run completely in the background, hidden from the WordPress admin interface. This is ideal for agencies, developers, and administrators who want to track user activity discreetly without exposing the logs to other users.

There are two modes:

-   **Full Stealth Mode** – Completely hides Simple History from everyone.
-   **Partial Stealth Mode** – Hides the plugin but allows selected users to access the logs.

The activity log remains accessible via the REST API, WP-CLI, and RSS feed, ensuring administrators can still retrieve logs when needed.

Stealth Mode is enabled using a constant or filter, allowing you to customize who can access the logs while keeping the plugin hidden in the admin interface.

### 📝 Add your own events to the log using the API

Theme and plugin developers can log custom events in Simple History using the `simple_history_log` filter:

`apply_filters(
  'simple_history_log',
  'This is a logged message'
);`

See the [documentation](https://simple-history.com/docs/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_overview) for examples on how to [log your own events](https://simple-history.com/docs/logging-api/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_logging_api), [query the log](https://simple-history.com/docs/query-api/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_query_api), and more.

### 🔆 Extend with Add-ons

Take your activity logging to the next level with add-ons that enhance tracking, security, and customization.

#### [Simple History Premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium)

Unlock advanced features and customization options:

-   **Custom Log Entries** – Add custom log entries using a UI. Document important changes by creating custom log entries for team actions, content updates, or system changes that aren't automatically tracked.
-   **Stealth Mode** – Hide Simple History from the WordPress admin for discreet tracking. Allows only specified users to see Simple History in the WordPress admin.
-   **Log Retention** – Control how long logs are stored, from a few days to forever.
-   **Export Search Results** – Download logs in CSV or JSON format for deeper analysis.
-   **Failed User Logins** – Disable or limit logging of failed login attempts to reduce noise.
-   **IP Address Anonymization** – Choose whether to store full IPs or anonymize them for privacy compliance (e.g., GDPR).
-   **Login Location Lookup** – View the location of a specific login attempt on Google Maps to identify suspicious activity.
-   **Logger Control** – Enable or disable specific loggers to manage what type of events are recorded.
-   **Ad-Free Experience** – Remove promotional banners for a distraction-free workflow.

#### [WooCommerce Logger](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/woocommerce/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=addons&utm_content=readme_addon_woocommerce)

Track WooCommerce activity with detailed logs for:

✔️ Orders, refunds, and stock changes  
✔️ Product updates and pricing adjustments  
✔️ Settings modifications and coupon usage

#### [Debug and Monitor](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/debug-and-monitor/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=addons&utm_content=readme_addon_debug_monitor)

Gain deeper insights into your site's background activity:

🛠️ Monitor outgoing requests and emails  
🔍 Debug HTTP API calls and server communication  
👨‍💻 Essential for developers, support teams, and anyone curious about what's happening under the hood

### 💚 Sponsor this project

If you like this plugin please consider [sponsoring the development of the free plugin](https://simple-history.com/sponsor/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=sponsorship&utm_content=readme_sponsor_footer). The plugin has been free for the last 10 years and will continue to be free.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is the plugin free?

Yes! Simple History has been free for over 10 years and will remain free. To support development and unlock extra features, you can purchase add-ons. [View add-ons](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=addons&utm_content=readme_addons_overview).

### How do I view the log?

You can access the log in multiple ways:

-   The **dashboard** widget
-   The **admin bar menu**
-   A **dedicated log page** in the WordPress admin area

### Can I change where the History menu appears in WordPress admin?

Yes! You can customize the menu position in the plugin settings. Choose between showing Simple History at the top or bottom of the main menu, or inside the dashboard menu or tools menu.

### Do I need coding skills to use the plugin?

No! Just install and activate the plugin, and it will start collecting activity logs automatically.

### Where is the log stored?

The log is stored in your WordPress database.

### Can I export the log?

Yes, you can export logs in **CSV** or **JSON** format for further analysis.

### Is it compatible with other plugins?

Yes! Simple History supports many popular plugins out of the box. Additionally, developers can integrate it with any plugin using the [Logging API](https://simple-history.com/docs/logging-api/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_faq_api).

### Will this plugin slow down my website?

No, Simple History is lightweight and optimized for performance. Most logging occurs in the WordPress admin area when a WordPress user performs an action.

By default, nothing is logged on the front end, ensuring visitors experience no impact on performance.

### Who can view the log?

Access to the log depends on the user's role:

-   **Administrators** can view all logged events.
-   **Editors** can see events related to posts and pages.

### Can I exclude certain users from being logged?

Yes, you can exclude users based on **role** or **email** using the [`simple_history/log/do_log`](https://simple-history.com/docs/hooks/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_hooks#simplehistorylogdolog) filter.

For more details, check the [hooks documentation](https://simple-history.com/docs/hooks/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_hooks#simplehistorylogdolog).

### How long is the history kept?

By default, logs are stored for **60 days**.

Upgrade to [Simple History Premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium) to change this using a GUI.

### Can I track changes made by specific users?

Yes! You can **filter logs by username**, making it easy to track individual activity.

### Is this plugin GDPR compliant?

GDPR compliance depends on **how you use the plugin** and how you handle collected data. WordPress guidelines prohibit plugins from making legal compliance claims, so you should review your site's data policies to ensure compliance.

That said, Simple History follows **privacy-friendly practices**:

-   ❌ No Google Fonts
-   ❌ No cookies
-   ❌ No local storage
-   ✅ IP addresses are anonymized by default

Since the plugin logs events (which may contain personal data), it's **your responsibility** to ensure GDPR compliance based on your site's usage.

For more information, see our support page [GDPR and Privacy: How Your Data is Stored in Simple History](https://simple-history.com/support/gdpr-and-privacy/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_gdpr_support).

## Screenshots

1. The log view + it also shows the filter function in use - the log only shows event that
   are of type post and pages and media (i.e. images & other uploads), and only events
   initiated by a specific user.

2. The feature will make it quick and easy for a user of a site to see what updates other users have done to posts and pages.

3. When users are created or changed you can see details on what have changed.

4. Events have context with extra details - Each logged event can include useful rich formatted extra information. For example: a plugin install can contain author info and a the url to the plugin, and an uploaded image can contain a thumbnail of the image.

5. Click on the IP address of an entry to view the location of for example a failed login attempt.

6. See even more details about a logged event (by clicking on the date and time of the event).

7. A chart with some quick statistics is available, so you can see the number of events that has been logged each day.
   A simple way to see any uncommon activity, for example an increased number of logins or similar.

8. Stats and summaries page that gives you a quick overview summary of your site's activity.

9. Email reports: Get a weekly summary of your site's activity delivered straight to your inbox. Enable and configure this feature in the plugin settings.

## Changelog

✨ If you find Simple History useful ✨

-   [Sponsor the plugin to keep it free.](https://simple-history.com/sponsor/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=sponsorship&utm_content=readme_sponsor_footer)
-   [Add a 5-star review so other users know it's good.](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/simple-history/reviews/?filter=5)
-   [Get the premium add-on for more features.](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium)

### 5.17.0 (October 2025)

This version focuses on stats alignment and accuracy, timezone handling fixes, email report improvements, and performance optimizations.

Read more about it in the [release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-17-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_17_0).

**Added**

-   Add icon to sticky events label.
-   Add help text to sidebar stats box about refresh interval and what data is used for the statistics (for admin the stats are based on all events, for other users is based on the events they have permission to view).
-   Email reports: Add tooltips to email "Activity by day" showing full date (e.g., "Thursday 2 October 2025") on hover for each day.
-   Email reports: Each day is now a link to the full log for that day.

**Fixed**

-   Sidebar stats was not always using the correct cached data.
-   Fix timezone and date handling across all stats features (sidebar, Insights page, REST API, charts) and all filter dropdowns (Today, Last N days, custom date ranges, month filters) to use WordPress timezone instead of server/UTC timezone.
-   "Today" now correctly shows events from 00:00 until current time (previously showed events from now minus 24 hours).
-   Email reports: Fix timezone and date handling issues (now consistently use WordPress timezone), improved daily stats accuracy, date range, and updated email copy.
-   Occasions count in main GUI was displaying incorrect number (always one event to many!) - button now shows the actual number of similar events that will be loaded when expanded.

**Changed**

-   Email preview now shows last 7 days including today (matching sidebar "7 days" stat) so users can verify preview numbers against sidebar.
-   Email sent on Mondays now shows previous complete Monday-Sunday week (excludes current Monday).
-   Email "Activity by day" now displays days in chronological order matching the date range instead of fixed calendar week order.
-   Use "Today" instead of "Last day" in main GUI filters to make it more clear what range is being shown.

**Performance**

-   Improved performance by loading logger messages only when needed, eliminating ~980 gettext filter calls on every page load. This reduces overhead to zero on pages that don't use Simple History.
-   Optimized context handling when logging events with many context items using batch inserts.
-   Plugin Logger now only runs gettext filters and auto-update detection on the plugins.php page instead of globally.
-   Simplified plugin action list hooks by only hooking into our plugin.
-   Added autoloading of deprecated classes, so they are only loaded if needed.

**Removed**

-   Removed legacy AJAX API endpoint (`action=simple_history_api`). The plugin now uses the WordPress REST API exclusively.

### 5.16.0 (August 2025)

**Added**

-   Revision Post ID, if available, is stored in event context for post/page updates.
-   Stats API responses now include human-readable, localized date formats.

**Changed**

-   The [_Post Activity Panel_](https://simple-history.com/features/post-activity-panel/) feature is now part of the [Simple History Premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium) add-on and available for all users of that plugin. It was previously an experimental feature in the main plugin.
-   The number of days for a month in sidebar stats is now 30 days instead of the previous 28 days, to make it more standard and consistent with common business and reporting cycles.
-   The scripts for the [_Admin Bar Quick View_](https://simple-history.com/features/admin-bar-quick-view/) is now loaded using `strategy: 'defer'` to improve performance.

**Fixed**

-   Correct query in get_successful_logins_details(), so it will correctly fetch successful logins.

### 5.15.0 (August 2025)

📧 This release enables _Weekly Email Reports_ for all users.
It also adds a new _Core Files Integrity Logger_ that detects modifications to WordPress core files through daily checksum verification.

[Release post with details and screenshots.](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-15-0/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_15_0)

**Added**

-   📨 _Email reports_ are now available for all users, not just those with experimental features enabled. You can enable email reports in the settings page. Read more about [email reports](https://simple-history.com/features/weekly-email-report/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_email_reports).
-   New _Core Files Integrity Logger_ that detects modifications to WordPress core files through daily checksum verification. Monitors for modified, missing, or unreadable files. Runs once every night. [#538](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/538)

**Changed**

-   Change order of the menu items.
-   Update description of WP CLI command description.

### 5.14.0 (July 2025)

**Added**

-   Add filter options to the WP-CLI events list command [#570](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/570)
-   Add ungrouped events support for the Log Query API and the REST API. This will get you a list of events without grouping them by occasion. This is useful for getting a simple list of events without the overhead of grouping.
-   Add support for filtering/querying by context in the log query and REST API.
-   Add search filter for initiators. This allows you to filter events by the initiator, e.g. "Web user", "WordPress user", "WP-CLI", "Other". Support is added the search GUI and to the REST API.
-   Add footer to dashboard widget with links to the [blog](https://simple-history.com/blog/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_14_0), [support](https://simple-history.com/support/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_14_0) and [premium features](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_14_0).
-   Add filters to customize plugin update details. Plugin authors can now add custom information about new features and improvements when their plugins are updated. This is done using the filter `simple_history/pluginlogger/plugin_updated_details/{plugin-slug}/{version}`. For example, to add custom details for Simple History version 5.14.0, use the filter `simple_history/pluginlogger/plugin_updated_details/simple-history/5.14.0` :).

**New experimental features**

These features are experimental and may change in future releases.
You need to have experimental features enabled in the settings to use them.

-   Sidebar panel on the Gutenberg block editor showing Simple History events for the current post.
-   Core Files Integrity Logger to detect and monitor modifications to WordPress core files through automated checksum verification.

**Fixed**

-   Fix export functionality not working when accessed from the settings page. [#574](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/574)
-   Fix collapse of search filters not working. [#569](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/569)

### 5.13.1 (July 2025)

**Fixed**

-   Fix cache issue when sticking or unsticking events. [#566](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/566)
-   Fix issue when Divi frontend builder is active. [#565](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/565)
-   Fix issue when no menu page is found. [#564](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/564)

**Improved**

-   Improve email summary report (still only available for users with experimental features enabled).
-   Improve license key settings page text to make it more clear that you need to install and activate the add-on first, before you can enter the license key.
-   Auto expand search options when filters are applied via URL parameters. [#567](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/567)
-   Add more checks in Admin Bar Quick Stats before initing the JS code.
-   Misc internal code improvements and spelling fixes.

### 5.13.0 (June 2025)

📧 This release introduces weekly email reports for site activity monitoring and adds REST API endpoints for event statistics.
[Read the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-13-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_13_0) for more details.

**Added**

-   Weekly email reports. Enabled for users with experimental features enabled, this new feature let you get an weekly email with a brief summary of what's been happening on your site. The emails are opt-in so you need to add your email address to the settings to start receiving them.
-   REST API Endpoints for Event Statistics.

**Changed**

-   Improvements to the layout of the quick stats box.
-   Misc internal code improvements.

**Fixed**

-   Fix PHP notice due to `wpdb::prepare()` not using placeholders correctly.

### 5.12.0 (May 2025)

📊 This release enhances the quick stats visualization with improved readability and additional metrics, while also addressing several minor issues.
[Read the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-12-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_12_0) for more details.

**Improved**

-   Redesign the "quick stats" box (to the right of the main events listing):
    -   Improve readability of statistics.
    -   Add metrics for today and last 7 days (in addition to existing stats for last 28 days and total events).
    -   Add graphical list of most active users in the last 28 days (visible only to administrators).
    -   Improve chart interaction - hover anywhere on the box to view daily values.
    -   Change chart visualization from bar chart to line chart.

**Fixed**

-   Fix deprecated function warning when searching for events.
-   Fix undefined chart label on Stats and Summaries page.
-   Enhance translation support.

### 5.11.0 (May 2025)

📌 This release introduces Sticky Events support for sticking important events to the top of your log, adds visual dividers for better log overview, and includes several UX improvements.
[Read the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-11-0-released-sticky-events-visual-day-dividers/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_11_0) for more details and screenshots.

**Added**

-   Visual day divider labels to the event log, e.g., "Sticky", "Today", "Yesterday", "May 14, 2025", for improved scannability and better log overview.
-   Sticky Events: pin important events to the top of your log.
-   WP-CLI commands to manage sticky events (stick, unstick, list):
    -   wp simple-history event stick
    -   wp simple-history event unstick
    -   wp simple-history event is_sticky
    -   wp simple-history event list_sticky [--format=<format>]
-   Date and ID of the oldest event is now shown on the debug page.

**Fixed**

-   URL is no longer changed when using filters on the dashboard.
-   Hide link to stats and summaries page in quick stats box if user doesn't have permission to view it.

### 5.10.0 (May 2025)

🎯 This release improves performance, enhances the user interface, and adds several quality-of-life improvements to make Simple History more efficient and user-friendly.
[Read the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-10-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_10_0) for more details.

**Added**

-   Add option to include header row in CSV exports.
-   Add URL-based search filters for easy bookmarking and sharing of search selections.
-   Add option to view more events from the same user or for the same type of event.

**Changed**

-   Load icons from a separate CSS file for better cache busting.
-   Make interface even clearer by hiding some promo boxes if [Premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium) is active.
-   Remove `server_http_user_agent` from user updates, user creation, user deletion. It is still available for user successful and failed logins. If support personal needs to know the user agent, the login event is the best place to find this. Note: if you need event more debug info, you can enable [Detective Mode](https://simple-history.com/support/detective-mode/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_detective_mode) or get the [Debug and Monitor add-on](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/debug-and-monitor/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_debug_monitor).
-   Use priority 1 for `wp_login` action instead of default 10 for better compatibility with auth plugins like [Two Factor](https://wordpress.org/plugins/two-factor/).
-   Improve performance of stats and summaries page.
-   Refactor query `date_from` and `date_to` parsing so sending in format `Y-m-d` means start/end of day automatically.

**Fixed**

-   Add log level `notice` to the GUI filters.
-   Remove duplicate `date_gmt` column from event details table.
-   Hide link to stats and summaries page from quick stats box if user doesn't have permission to view it.
-   Hide notification bar if user can't visit link that is provided for the notification message.
-   Misc internal improvements.
-   Add option to copy event message (with or without details) to clipboard.

### 5.9.0 (April 2025)

📊 This release adds a new [stats and summaries page](https://simple-history.com/features/stats-and-summaries/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_stats_summaries) that gives you a quick overview summary of your site's activity.
[Read more about the new stats and summaries page in the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-9-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_9_0).

**Added**

-   New stats and summaries page that gives you a lot of information about your site's activity. For the last month (customizable in [Premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium)) you can see things like:
    -   Quick numbers like total events during this period, total number of users that performed actions, number of posts and pages created, etc.
    -   A big chart with the number of events logged each day.
    -   A visual overview of the most active users.
-   Quick access link to [stats and summaries](https://simple-history.com/features/stats-and-summaries/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_stats_summaries) in the quick stats box

-   Hook `simple_history/admin_page/after_header` to allow plugins to add content after the header in Simple History admin pages.
-   A discrete notification bar at top.

**Fixed**

-   Remove upsell boxes in settings page when [Premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium) is active

**Changed**

-   Verified compatibility with WordPress 6.8

### 5.8.2 (April 2025)

🧩 This release improves compatibility with older WordPress versions and fixes some issues.

**Added**

-   Add filter `simple_history/post_logger/meta_keys_to_ignore` to modify the array with custom field keys to ignore. [#543](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/543)

**Changed**

-   Add compatibility with WordPress down to version 6.3 (from 6.6 previously). This makes it possible for users on older versions of WordPress to use the plugin. This was possible thanks to the great https://github.com/johnbillion/wp-compat library. [#542](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/542)
-   Mask more password related fields when using [Detective Mode](https://simple-history.com/support/detective-mode/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_detective_mode). [#546](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/546)

### 5.8.1 (march 2025)

🔧 This release adds several UI improvements and internal enhancements to make Simple History more user-friendly and robust.

**Added**

-   Add reload button when events fail to load (typically due to an expired nonce from admin inactivity).
-   Add review notice for admins after many events has been logged to encourage [leaving a review](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/simple-history/reviews/#new-post?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_review). (It keeps me motivated, you know.) It will only be shown on the admin pages that belong to Simple History.

**Changed**

-   Rename debug page to "Help & Support" for better clarity.
-   Improve dropin loading by automatically finding dropins in the dropins folder.

**Fixed**

-   Remove unnecessary div element in diff output.
-   Enhance footer text handling to properly manage boolean and non-string inputs.

### 5.8.0 (March 2025)

🔍 This release adds support for custom log entries and also adds logging when a user gets an access denied message when trying to view an admin page that they do not have access to.
[Read the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-8-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_8_0) for more details and screenshots.

**Added**

-   Add logging of admin page access denied events. When a user attempts to access an admin page they don't have permission for, this is now logged in the User Logger.
-   Add new `Custom_Entry_Logger` logger that adds support for custom entries to be added via WP-CLI and REST API.
    -   Only administrators (users with `manage_options` capability) can add custom log entries using the REST API.
    -   Users with access to WP-CLI can add custom log entries.
    -   See the release post for examples and screenshots of how to use custom entries.
    -   (There is also an option in the Premium add-on to add custom entries via the UI.).

**Fixed**

-   Fix rare options key missing error when retrieving logger search options.

### 5.7.0 (February 2025)

🔄 This release adds more menu location options and some other smaller improvements to the interface and internal code.
[Read the release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-7-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_7_0) for more details and screenshots.

**Added**

-   Add new menu location options "Inside dashboard menu item" and "Inside tools menu item" (in addition to the available "Top of main menu" and "Bottom of main menu").
    -   The "Inside dashboard menu item" option will add the main history log page to the Dashboard page, while the settings page for the plugin will be located under the Settings menu item. This is pretty much the same location as before the 5.5.0 update.
    -   The location can be set using filter `simple_history/admin_menu_location`.
-   Total number of events logged since install in now shown in the [Stats & Insights box](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_stats_insights).

**Changed**

-   Enhancement: Format number of events in Stats & Insights.
-   Update menu settings name from "Menu page location" to "History menu position".
-   Improve location of settings errors.
-   Improve logic for determine if the current admin page belongs to Simple History or not. Improves compatibility with translation plugins. [#531](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/531)

**Fixed**

-   Fix warning for [deprecated bottom styles in SelectControl component](https://make.wordpress.org/core/2024/10/18/editor-components-updates-in-wordpress-6-7/#bottom-margin-styles-are-deprecated).
-   Show correct [limit login attempts link](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_limit_login#limit-failed-logins) for [premium](https://simple-history.com/add-ons/premium?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_premium#features) users.
-   Remove setting "Show history: as a page under the dashboard menu", since the history menu now can be set to multiple locations.

**Other**

-   Deprecate functions `register_settings_tab()`, `get_main_nav_html()`, `get_subnav_html()`, `get_settings_tabs()`.
-   Misc internal improvements and changes.

### 5.6.1 (January 2025)

🚀 This release fixes incomplete exports due to an error in pagination logic.
It also improves the post Quick Diff view by preventing scrollbar jumping on hover states.
A small but very nice improvement! [See the difference in the release post.](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-6-1-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_6_1)

**Fixed**

-   Incomplete exports due to error in pagination logic.
-   PHP notice when exporting events with missing user email data.

**Improved**

-   Enhance post Quick Diff view by preventing scrollbar jumping on hover states. [#530](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/530)

### 5.6.0 (January 2025)

🔝 This version adds an option to the settings page to control the location of the menu page (at top or bottom).
🫣 It also adds support for **Stealth Mode**: When enabled, Simple History will be hidden from places like the dashboard, the admin menu, the admin bar, and the plugin list.
👉 Read the [release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-6-released-with-stealth-mode/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_6_0) for more details and examples how to use this feature.

**Added**

-   Add support for **Stealth Mode**. When enabled (programmatically using a constant or filters) Simple History will be hidden from places like the dashboard, the admin menu, the admin bar, and the plugin list. [#401](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/401)
-   Add option to set menu page location to settings page. [#525](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/525)
-   Add WP-CLI command `simple-history stealth-mode status` to get status of Stealh Mode using WP-CLI.
-   Add filter `simple_history/show_admin_menu_page` to
-   Add filter `simple_history/admin_menu_location`.
-   Add filters `simple_history/show_in_admin_bar` and `simple_history/show_on_dashboard`, that work the same way as `simple_history_show_in_admin_bar` and `simple_history_show_dashboard_widget`, but with correct naming convention.

**Improved**

-   Decrease the icon size in the admin bar and main menu, to match the size of other icons. Props @hjalle.

**Fixed**

-   Fix for `simple_history/show_action_link` when being used and returning false then the other action links was not shown.

### 5.5.1 (January 2025)

-   Fix the redirect from old settings page to new settings page and from old event log page to new event log page not always working when there was for example a WordPress update notice.

### 5.5.0 (January 2025)

Simple History 5.5.0 contains an improved event log menu location, and more 💥.
Read the [release post](https://simple-history.com/2025/simple-history-5-5-0-released/?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_release_5_5_0) for more details.

**Added**

-   Added Simple History to the top level of the admin bar for improved accessibility and visibility. Previously, the plugin was located in the dashboard menu, the settings menu, and contained tools like export and debug scattered across sub-tabs. This change centralizes these tools, making them easier to find and use.
-   Introduced a link to the settings page for users with the Premium add-on, shown in the "events cleared" text. [#486](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/486)
-   Added slotfill `SimpleHistorySlotEventActionsMenu` to enable future extensions and customizations. [#499](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/499)

**Deprecated**

-   Deprecated the filter `simple_history/admin_location` since the event log page now includes sub-pages and cannot be moved.

**Changed**

-   Updated icons next to menu titles to improve visual clarity and consistency. [#517](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/517)

**Fixed**

-   Resolved an issue where premium info was displayed below the "clear log" button even when the Premium add-on was installed.
-   Various internal code enhancements and optimizations.

### 5.4.4 (January 2025)

First release of 2025! 🎉

-   Don't output CSS and JS for _Admin Bar Quick View_ if admin bar is not visible. [#510](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/510)
-   Only load events from the last 7 days in the _Admin Bar Quick View_.
-   Remove some unused CSS. [#505](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/issues/505)
-   🎨 Fresh new logo for the plugin.
-   Style some admin boxes to match new design.
-   Misc other internal improvements.

[Changelog for previous versions.](https://github.com/bonny/WordPress-Simple-History/blob/main/CHANGELOG.md?utm_source=wordpress_org&utm_medium=plugin_directory&utm_campaign=documentation&utm_content=readme_doc_changelog)
